Career Opportunities

Visiting Faculty Position, Graphic Design/M.A. in Visual Narrative, Beirut

This position is no longer open.

School of Architecture and Design
Department: Department of Art & Design
Campus: Beirut
Program: Graphic Design & MA Visual Narrative
Vacancy Date: Fall 2017

The Department of Art & Design in the School of Architecture & Design at the Lebanese American University is now accepting applications for a visiting faculty at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor levels, or Lecturer level, depending on experience and qualifications. This position is for the academic year 2017-18. The candidate should have a degree in digital media/ animation or related field. S/he should combine an aptitude for teaching with current practices in digital media/ animation. The candidate should be highly knowledgeable on the integral role of the graduate and undergraduate digital and animation courses offered for the graphic design and the MA in Visual Narrative programs. S/he should be capable of teaching all undergraduate level digital media and animation courses listed for the graphic design program on the following link:

http://sard.lau.edu.lb/departments-institutes/design/gd-courses.php

and the following graduate level courses for the MA in Visual Narrative program:

History of Visual Storytelling [2-2, 3 cr.]
This course is a survey of the history of visual narrative. It reviews the diverse media that visual narration encompasses. Approaches to telling a story with words and images will be explored in relation to both local and international contexts. The evolution of visual narrative in a range of context will be examined and analyzed. The material for this course will be covered through lectures, discussions, research and screenings.

Storyboarding [2-2, 3 cr.]
This studio course explores the first step in visual storytelling to facilitate the passage from verbal text to visual communication. Students will learn techniques in structuring ideas to communicate stories. This course will help students address various aspects in visual narration such as design, pacing, style and balance in word/image relationships. This course will be taught through a series of projects and critiques that include storyboarding or visually organizing a story for a variety of contexts.

Narrative Writing [2-2, 3 cr.]
This course explores various writing assignments and close readings of classic literature, essays, graphic novels, and plays. It focuses on dialogue and scriptwriting. Emphasis is placed on students as authors of visual narratives. The course involves determining the characters, preparing the plot, setting the location, time frame and formatting a script. This course will be taught through lectures, discussions, research and writing.

Drawing Strategies for Visual Narrative [2-2, 3 cr.]
This course focuses on building a solid foundation in advanced drawing skills through observation. It explores the formal underpinnings of visual narratives and an overview of tools and techniques. Weekly assignments will challenge students to create clear and compelling visual narratives.

Character Development [2-2, 3 cr.]
This course explores the creation of characters within visual narrative contexts. Focus is placed on establishing character personalities conceptually and visually. Various artistic and illustrative styles are addressed. Anatomy, proportion, perspective, construction and appeal are emphasized. This course will be taught through a series of projects and critiques that include character development and contextualization. 

Advanced Illustration Techniques [2-2, 3 cr.]
Centered on the individual student’s unique talent, this course is designed to develop and solidify personal style, strong concepts and clear execution of ideas. How to approach an illustration job with an understanding of the type of work a student wants to create will be explored. Assignments will be done using a variety of mediums including gouache, colored pencil, pen-and-ink and watercolor. Students are encouraged to work traditionally yet digital methods may be combined.

Thesis Research [2-2, 3 cr.]
In this course students formulate a yearlong project that builds upon the skills acquired in their first year. This class involves research and creating a preliminary proposal to present to a thesis committee. A thesis advisor will coach each student. Students work with a thesis advisor on a one-to-one basis and establish a work schedule to research, write and visualize their thesis project. Students will strengthen their storytelling techniques and explore the marketability of their characters and narratives. Focus is placed upon the transform an original idea into a strong story treatment and then a final script.

Thesis Project [2-2, 3 cr.]
In this course student continue to work on their yearlong thesis project guided by their thesis advisor. Sketches will initiate a process towards the full creation of a thesis project. Students may explore a range of media in the creation of a visual narrative work. Emphasis is placed upon conceptualization, communication, technique and production. This course cumulates in the curating and/or publishing as an advanced visual narrative work.

Candidates to this post must hold an MFA in digital media/animation or related field, with teaching experience.

This position will be open in FALL 2017, which starts by Mid-August and is renewed on a yearly basis according to university policies that apply to Visiting faculty.

For more information on faculty personnel policies:
https://www.lau.edu.lb/about/policies/personnel_policy_faculty_section.pdf

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent outlining their particular pedagogy, a CV, a Portfolio of Student Work and a Portfolio of Personal Work, as well as samples/links to scholarly publications, if applicable.

Applications should be sent by email to: sard.jobs@lau.edu.lb

Deadline: January 30, 2017

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by February 15, 2017. Final decisions will be made by April 1, 2017.

The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information visit
www.lau.edu.lb and http://sard.lau.edu.lb